Page 8 of Fighting Fate

Chipper hummed, fighting a laugh.

Baylor pinched his nipple, probably because it was within reach. “Don’t laugh at me.”

“I told you, don’t abuse me. I’ll embarrass you. Don’t think I won’t stroll into that doctor’s office, carrying you just like this, with a huge wet spot on my jeans.”

He felt more than heard Baylor’s weak laugh. “You’re such an idiot.”

Maybe, but he was happy again. He locked up the house and got Baylor settled in his truck. It was easier to get Baylor in and out of the larger vehicle. Baylor was silent on the drive. Chipper had a feeling he dozed. The radio played a metal station from his music app. He kept the volume low and worried all the way to the doctor’s.

The office was connected to the hospital, making parking a nightmare. He circled the parking garage several times before someone backed from a space. Baylor shook when he stood. Despite his weak protests, he leaned on Chipper. Chipper held more of Baylor’s weight than he let on. A guy had his pride. Chipper would let Baylor keep his.

Once they were checked in, they were taken back to a room much faster than Chipper expected. Then again, Baylor looked like hell and they probably didn’t want him spreading his germs. They had given him a mask to wear, but still. Baylor really looked awful.

Chipper’s knee bobbed in his impatience as they waited for the doctor. A nurse came and drew blood and took what looked to be flu and covid samples. Then they waited and waited some more. Luckily, they had at least given Baylor a blanket and he passed out on the exam table. One of them got to sleep through the wait. Finally, the door swung open after a quick, perfunctory knock. A blond male in his mid-forties stepped inside. His white coat was pristine. He stared at a laptop.

“Mr. Keates?”

Baylor opened his eyes.

The doctor smiled. “I’m Dr. Porter. I hear you’ve had a bad fever for a few days. What else do you have going on?”

Baylor’s eyes flickered Chipper’s way.

Chipper took the hint. He was too tired to talk. “He fainted a few times, hasn’t been able to keep anything down, and is extremely weak.”

Dr. Porter held Chipper’s stare and nodded along. When Chipper finished, he grabbed his rolling chair and sat where he could switch his gaze between Baylor and Chipper while he spoke. “Well, both the flu and covid test came back negative.” That surprised Chipper. “But obviously, we have something going on. With this high of a fever that doesn’t seem to want to break, I’d say it’s likely whatever random virus is going around. I can prescribe some anti-viral medication and anti-nausea pills.” He clicked around on his laptop. “With that said, some of these numbers on your bloodwork are a bit concerning.” He kept his gaze locked on the computer, making it impossible for Chipper to get a read on him. “I’d like to get a bag or two of fluids in you before you leave and then draw some more blood.”

“Sounds great.” Chipper was beyond relieved at the idea of an IV.

Dr. Porter looked between them again before focusing on Chipper. “So you are…” He left the inquiry hanging. Chipper had no clue what he meant until Baylor responded.

“He’s my friend. He’s been keeping me alive.”

Chipper smirked at getting called a friend. That was a step up from stalker.

The doctor nodded. His gaze swung back Baylor’s way. “Good. Part of me is leaning toward admitting you. But if your friend is willing to help, then I’m sure you’d be more comfortable at home. However.” He met Chipper’s stare, as if trying to emphasize the importance of his words. “If he worsens in any way, take him to the ER. I could likely give him two full bags today and still not pull up these numbers. Getting dehydrated like this can lead to kidney failure and his GFR is in an iffy place.”

“What’s GFR?” Baylor croaked out.

“It’s your kidney function,” Chipper answered before the doctor could. His gaze never wavered from the doctor. Chipper’s mom had died from kidney disease. “How iffy?”

“Thirty-five.”

Well, fuck. “Maybe you should admit him.”

“Please don’t,” Baylor croaked out. “I trust Chipper to take care of me.”

The doctor’s eyes flickered Baylor’s way before focusing on Chipper again. “Why do you look so familiar to me? Are you one of my patients?”

“No.”

“He’s the MMA light heavyweight world champion.” Baylor smirked as he said the words, knowing he had likely doomed Chipper to taking selfies with everyone in the damn building before they got out of there.

Chipper leveled a look at him.

Dr. Porter dismissed the news. “I don’t follow sports. It must be something else.”

Chipper shot Baylor a triumphant smile before pulling a face and sticking his tongue out at him, childishly enjoying his win. He wouldn’t be taking selfies after all. Still, he chose to put the doctor out of his misery.

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